Ask Leo Hanes All About Lung Cancer

Great News !!

After two cycles of chemotherapy treatment , a blood test and CT Scan were completed yesterday.

Today we met with Dr Roerdink at 1100, as my primary oncologist was sick this week, where we reviewed side effects again, yesterdays blood test, and CT Scan.

He revealed that the lung tumor itself had been reduced significantly in size, and in viewing the CT Scan differences from the first one taken a few weeks ago, it was apparent that the tumor had shrunk in excess of 50%, maybe even 65%.

That is great news, we are headed in the right direction, the chemotherapy treatments are being effective.

The blood test revealed that a kidney function test needs to be monitored closely again - I must ensure that I drink 2-3 liters of fluids daily.

So the 3^rd cycle of chemotherapy treatments will start again tomorrow, with some additional fluids added to help keep those kidneys flushed.

The good news again is that he is predicting only another two cycles of chemotherapy ( total of 4, instead of 6 ) will be needed, assuming this progress continues… then a schedule of radiation treatments will be scheduled.

This is a great relief to us, even though it appeared from the doctors facial expressions as he reviewed the CT Scan initially without speaking that he was concerned about something…….needless to say the emotions were all over the map, followed by a surge of relief when he finally explained the findings ,,,,,,Whew!!

After getting home, Tammy ( my oldest daughter) presented me with three Canadian Mounties memorabilia - a mug, a magnet, and a set of playing cards, all with various scenes from Canada, and the Royal Canadian Mounties…

For those who have not heard ,,,,one of our families battle cries has been….Do not fear the Mounties are here…..they always get their man ( in this case the cancer cells)…..SMILEEEEEEEEEE

All in all another mixed emotion day with minimal side effects other than the intermittent fatigue remedied by the afternoon nap times again

March 9 Sunday

A cool rainy day did not prevent us from traveling to Postel in nearby Belguim for a drive, for Belgian fries with mayonnaise, and Belgian ice cream treats

Yet another day with minimal side effects other than the intermittent fatigue remedied by the afternoon nap time once again

The next week brings anther blood test and a CT Scan on Tuesday, an appointment with Dr Goey Wednesday to review the CT scan results to see if the chemotherapy treatments are being effective after the first two completed cycles

Hopefully there is a positive result that will allow the current chemotherapy treatments to continue for the expected 6 cycles starting cycle # 3 on Thursday again.

March 2 - Sunday

A similar day to yesterday as far as any side effects.

We went to a locals popular site … for a short hike in the woods, and sand dunes, ending with a nice lunch at the entrance to the dunes

Although after returning home , I napped from 1300 - 1500

Called my grandson, Will for his 7^th birthday

March 3 - Monday

Attended my hearing test appointment at 0810

Results were positive, only revealing some minor loss of some high frequency tones, which is considered quite normal for my youthful age…….

Scheduled a follow-up test for March 17 for comparison, after completing yet another cycle of chemotherapy

Trees went to physiotherapy, then to her office in Breda for a meeting with company officials to create a return to work plan after her lengthy time off for shoulder surgery in November

March 4 - Tuesday

My oldest daughter Tammy arrived from Canada at 1330 for a two week visit.

It is great to see her here in the Netherlands……..WOW!! both daughters here at the same time for the next couple days, as Tracy will be leaving on Thursday

March 5 - Wednesday

Trees to physiotherapy, and work again today, she is phasing back into a somewhat regular work schedule, with the possibility of some work at home remotely opportunity to facilitate all the running to doctors, hospitals, chemotherapy, and her own continuing shoulder physiotherapy 3 times per week

Tammy, Tracy, and I got to walk to the nearby canal, one of my favorite spots by the water thatt I still  love so much

The side effects from the chemotherapy are minimal this week, except for minor bouts of fatigue, and sinus congestion pain.

March 6 - Thursday

Tracy caught the train at Tilburg Centrum at 0845 on her way to Schipol Airport for a 1300 departure for Detroit, then Syracuse NY, for husband Tim to meet her, then home to Gananoque Ontario by car

She arrived home at about 1030 EST (0430 NL) after nearly missing her connection in Detroit due to late deplaning, customs , baggage, and of course the Homeland Security paranoia that travelers encounter routinely these days.

Called my Mother in St Albert , Alberta for her 86^th birthday

All in all a mixed emotion day with minimal side effects other than the intermittent fatigue

March 7 - Friday

Not a very high energy day, slept a couple different times throughout the day for a couple hours each time

Stella ( sister in law) and Tracy returned from their visit to Amsterdam today, and had dinner with us

Overall side effects were still at a minimum, with some fatigue showing up late in the day

Feb 24 - Sunday

Ahhh hahhh the fatigue has arrived big time again……..how quickly one forgets from before, probably over did it yesterday, and not resting when I should have

A drowsy sleepy day all day, going to bed at 830 pm for about 12 hours

Feb 25 - Monday

Another heavy fatigue day

Feb 26 - Tuesday

Another heavy fatigue day, but this time with the added twist of back pain which seems to be escalating

Feb 27 - Wednesday

Had my scheduled blood test , and met with Dr Goey, to discuss side effects, and confirm next Day 8 chemotherapy treatment

As the back pain was becoming more severe, he recommended taking more magnesium tablets as constipation was the probable cause, along with some dehydration.

Must pay more attention to drinking  more water as well

Feb 28 - Thursday

Arrived at outpatients/ oncology at 1030, had to wait until 1130 to start treatment due to backlog in front of me today

Had extra 30 minutes of fluid IV to help relieve dehydration symptoms.

Completed the 30 minute Gemcitabine chemotherapy at 1300, then home again

Slept 1400-1600, 2030-2200, 2300- 0200, 0200-0700

Feb 29 - Friday

Attended scheduled consultation appointment with ear specialist, preliminary findings were ok, scheduled an actual hearing test for Monday.

This is a precaution to set a bench mark for possible hearing loss side effects